DEMAND Now Available as a Digital App

DEMAND Now Available as a Digital App DEMAND Now Available as a Digital App A digital edition of the new Society publication, DEMAND ASME Global Development Review, is now available as a free app on Apple and Android tablets and through on the ASME website.The new magazine, which was distributed to ASME members in print last month, features case studies, field reports, and original articles that showcase effective strategies and innovative solutions at the intersection of technology and weltumspannend development. DEMAND was created and published by ASME Engineering for Global Development (EGD) in collaboration with Mechanical Engineering magazine with reports from Engineering for Change (E4C) and support from the ASME Foundation.You can download Apple app from iTunes or the Android app from Google Play, or visit ASME.org at go.asme.org/demand. EGD is currently working with Mechanical Engineering magazine on the second issue of DEMAND, which is expected to be published in the spring . For more information on DEMAND, visit the magazines page on ASME.org at go.asme.org/demand.

6 ways to use music to increase your productivity

6 ways to use music to increase your productivity6 ways to use music to increase your productivityWhether youre using it to pump you up towork out when youre tiredor to unwind for abetter nights sleep, music is a powerful motivator in many different situations. According to the team atBrain.fm, functional music - which has specific characteristics - can also be ultra-helpful when you want tostay focused at work. But what exactly makes music functional?The team explains that it comes down to a combo of qualities that affect the brain. It could be the right density of sound texture, high energy yet low salience (distracting sounds), and many other acoustic characteristics, notesBrain.fmCEO Dan Clark. By understanding how the brain is affected by sound, we can make functional music directly and effectively, instead of relying on music that accidentally fulfills some of behauptung criteria some of the time.If youve ever felt like the playlists you pick can truly affect your productivit y, youre onto something the team backs up with science. Many of us already listen to music when we work, they affirm. The wrong music can put us at a disadvantage by distracting us and interfering with our ability to think. For example, pop music is designed to grab your attention. While listening to your favorite song while working can be fun, its not ideal for getting stuff done if youre distracted by it.On the other hand, music specifically designed for focus can help you work without totally stealing your attention. Ready to crank it up a notch? Keep reading for six science-backed tips thatll help you make the most of your playlists.1. Opt for songs without vocals or lyricsMusic with vocals/lyrics is generally more distracting, especially when reading, the team shares.2. Save distracting music for a workout.Distraction is your friend when working out, the team confirms. Save your favorite jams to see if they fit the rhythmic cycle of your exercise, which is also bright and atten tion-grabbing. Play it loud3. Know how music affects you.Studies suggest that different personalities respond differently to background music while working, clarifies Brain.fm director of science Kevin Woods. leid sure how music affects you at work? Consider trying one of the 12 difference focus categories at Brain.fm to find your perfect fit.4. Stick to uplifting tunes.We love Adeles slow songs as much as the next gal, but the Brain.fm team cautions against streaming your favorite blues and ballads when you need energy to do great work.5. Search for seamless transitions.Short tracks can possess a lot of the qualities that make music good for focus, but choppy transitions can throw you off course. Try to find playlists that weave tracks together seamlessly, or use music providers that offer long-form tracks, the team recommends.6. Tune in to music made using science.In the last few years, through scientific research and technology, music has been designed to have all of the characte ristics needed to be maximally effective, the Brain.fm team reminds. Weve been doing this for more than a decade, and love creating music thatll help you live a productive life.This article was originally posted on Brit + Co.

Tips for a Successful Infant Casting or Photo Shoot

Tips for a Successful Infant Casting or Photo ShootTips for a Successful Infant Casting or Photo ShootBaby modeling can be a lot of fun, and it can be quite lucrative. If youre like most parents, you love hanging out with their child all day and who doesnt like constantly being told how adorable their offspring is? But, baby modeling is also a tricky business. For starters, schedules are tight- babies are only allowed to work for a couple of hours a day- and even the cutest babies are unpredictable. They dont always nap when theyre supposed to (according to the director) and they can suddenly get cranky. And, of course, they also cry a lot. Some shoots supply a baby wrangler, whose sole job it is to help relax overwhelmed babies, as well as their parents. These trained professionals dangle toys, sing songs, and make funny faces- whatever it takes to keep the child or toddler calm, happy, and entertained. However, a lot of time youll be on your own. Meaning, its up to you to think of new and clever ways to distract your child, stave off the stranger-danger, and keep the shoot rolling on time and on budget. If youre out of ideas or want to be asprepared as possible for an upcoming infant casting call or modeling shoot, dont panic. Here are some tried and true tips for both you and your model wannabe. Ask Questions This is not the time to be shy.Dont be afraid to call the casting company or agency and ask what to expect before, during, and after the shoot. They can fill you in on what typically happens and offer helpful suggestions that will calm your nerves and give your child the best possible chance of success. Change the Environment Castings and photo shoots can be hectic and crowded, so try taking a quick timeout to help reset both you and your babys mood. Take your baby somewhere quiet for a few minutes- like a bathroom or a break room- for a snuggle, some soothing words, or your babys favorite song. Leave Home Extra Early As youve probably noti ced, a stressed-out parent often results in a stressed-out child. So, do everything possible to show up on time and avoid a last-minute panic. Pack the night before, try your best to nap/feed/burp your child before you arrive, and leave time for unexpected diaper changes, spit-up incidents, and meltdowns. Of course, all of this is easier said than done, but it never hurts to be super prepared. Bring an Extra Set of Hands If youre stressed about handling the day and all of the uncertainties that go along with it- like the traffic, the parking, and the endless diaper/onesie changes- then bring along a spouse, a family member, a friend, or even a neighbor that your baby knows. A helping hand is always useful, especially if its your first time attending a casting or shoot. Dont Be Afraid to Be a Parent While its ideal if your baby doesnt mind being held by strangers, some newborns simply havent had enough time to get used to being held by people they dont know. They just really need their moms or dads, and thats okay. Its not unheard of to photograph a baby sitting on a parents belly or being held in their hands (with the parent cropped out, of course). A loving touch can be just what the baby needs to pull off a great photo. Bring Something Familiar Every baby has something that they absolutely love. Maybe its a well-used baby carrier, a special toy, or a random object that, for some strange reason, holds their attention- like a broken calculator or an empty mint container you found in the bottom of your purse. Whatever it is, bring it with you. Babies love a sense of familiarity and this one item could be the difference between an on-set meltdown and a picture-perfect photo shoot.